On the Ithaca Commons, a few doors down from Aurora Street, sits a Neapolitan pizzeria that has quickly become one of the most talked-about spots in town.
Thompson and Bleecker is a true family-owned pizza restaurant, opened by local entrepreneurs and newlyweds who also run Ithaca Wine and Spirits and Chatty Cathy Café.
The wood-fired pizzas here borrow from both Italian tradition and Greek influence, and that unusual combination has made the small pizzeria a fast favorite among Ithaca locals.
How Thompson and Bleecker won Ithaca’s hearts
The restaurant has become the go-to choice for Ithaca pizza restaurant fans who want something more distinctive than a standard pepperoni pie.
One reviewer called the Margherita and Diavola pies “absolutely delicious,” specifically praising the honey whipped ricotta appetizer alongside them, a combination that keeps showing up in repeat orders from regulars.
That kind of enthusiasm has helped Thompson and Bleecker build a loyal base of Ithaca Commons dining fans who treat it as their go-to pizza night spot.
Part of the appeal comes from the owners themselves, George and Milany Papachryssanthou, whose Greek roots show up throughout the menu in oregano, feta, and olive oil-forward touches that set the pizzas apart from typical New York-style slices.
The family-owned pizzeria New York locals rave about most keeps its menu intentionally focused, offering just a handful of well-executed pizzas rather than an overwhelming list of options.
That restraint has actually worked in the restaurant’s favor, letting each pie shine with quality ingredients rather than piling on toppings for the sake of variety.
Whether diners are stopping in for a quick slice or settling in with a bottle of wine, the experience feels consistently polished, which is exactly what has turned Thompson and Bleecker into an Ithaca Commons fixture.
Food Highlights
- The Party On Dude: A festive pie topped with pepperoni, mild pepperoncini, pecorino, and a dash of sea salt for a spicy-tangy bite. 🌶️
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Margherita: San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, Greek oregano, Greek olive oil, sea salt, and fresh basil on a classic Neapolitan base. 🍅
- Clam Pizza: A white pie loaded with fresh littleneck clams, garlic, ricotta, cherry pepper, pecorino, and chili flakes. 🦪
- Vodka Pepperoni Pizza: San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, and homemade vodka sauce, finished with garlic and pecorino. 🍕
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Diavola: San Marzano tomato sauce topped with spicy sopressata, Mike’s Hot Honey, fresh mozzarella, and Greek oregano for a sweet-and-spicy kick. 🌶️
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Di Parma: San Marzano tomato sauce with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, shaved pecorino, and Greek oregano. 🍕
- Giardino: A vegetable-forward pizza built with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and fresh basil. 🍆
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Colberto: A white pizza featuring fennel sausage, fresh mozzarella, mushrooms, thyme, and fresh garlic. 🍄
Atmosphere
Thompson and Bleecker brings a Brooklyn-style flair to the Ithaca Commons, with a wine bar setting that feels more upscale than a typical neighborhood pizzeria.
The dining room stays intimate and lively, making it a popular spot for date nights and small groups looking to share a few pies. 🍷
It is the kind of place that feels like a destination pizza night rather than a quick grab-and-go stop.
Bottom Line
Visit for Neapolitan pizzas with Greek flair, fresh San Marzano sauce, and standout combinations like the white clam pie. Come for the family-owned charm and stay for a glass of wine and housemade baklava that make this Ithaca Commons spot worth the trip.
Address:
211 E Seneca St, Ithaca, NY 14850
📞 (607) 319-0851
🕔 Open Tue-Sun 5 PM–9 PM (closed Mon)